Mihalich agrees to new deal with Niagara

Mar 27, 2007, 18:30 GMT

Niagara Falls, NY - Niagara men's basketball coach Joe Mihalich has been rewarded with a new contract after leading the Purple Eagles to their second NCAA Tournament appearance in three seasons.

Terms of the renegotiated multi-year deal were not disclosed.

'Keeping Joe Mihalich as men's basketball coach was a huge priority for us,' said Niagara athletic director Ed McLaughlin in a release. 'We have made sure that coach Mihalich will continue to lead our program to success for many years to come.'

Mihalich has spent nine years at Niagara and has guided the program to a record of 160-113, including a 23-12 mark this past season. The Purple Eagles posted a 77-69 victory over Florida A&M in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament before a 107-67 setback to Kansas in the first round.

'I am deeply grateful to Fr. [Joseph L.] Levesque, Ed McLaughlin and Niagara University for all they do for Niagara basketball and for me and my family,' said Mihalich. 'I am extremely excited about the future of our program and have never felt more passionate about this job and the university I am so privileged to represent.'

Mihalich has earned MAAC Coach of the Year honors twice while at Niagara.

© 2007 The Sports Network